As more and more cosmetic procedures become readily available and mainstream, it seems as if everyone is having something done. However, easy access to treatments and procedures comes with concerns.

As captured on the popular TV show “Botched,” things can go very wrong with serious, even life-threatening consequences. Anyone conducting cosmetic procedures can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon. However, to be considered a plastic surgeon one must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Stanley Poulos, a Board-Certified San Francisco area Plastic Surgeon offers the following red flags not to ignore when selecting a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, aesthetician or anyone else you plan to trust your body with. [Read more…]

There’s good news and bad news for those who are trying to get rid of scars fast.

The skin is a seamless organ, smooth and soft; as such, its appearance can be altered significantly by even a minor scar.

Usually, scars aren’t a big deal when they are small or easily hidden under clothes. However, when a scar is larger or visible even when you’re wearing clothes, you most likely want to find a way to treat it and help it go away as quickly as possible.

The bad news is that there’s no way to get rid of a scar “quickly;” scars take time to fade and, even then, most scars are permanent and will never completely disappear. Scarring is a natural part of the healing process following an injury, and the way your scar heals depends on many factors including the size and depth of the wound, your age, your ethnicity, and more.

The good news, however, is that there are things you can do to help your scar become flatter, lighter, and generally much less noticeable. [Read more…]

There are several different types of scars that result from an injury and among them is the hypertrophic scar.

The hypertrophic scar varies somewhat from other scars in that its appearance tends to be red and elevated. They can also be itchy or even painful. However, unlike keloid scars, hypertrophic scars stay within the boundaries of the initial area of injury.

Hypertrophic scars tend to start developing within the weeks following an injury, and they may continue to redden and thicken for months. Their raised appearance can improve with consistent scar massage over the course of several months. However, depending on the severity of the scar and the nature of its origin, it can take a year or even longer for the scar to begin to flatten and fade. [Read more…]